1. Abstract Expressionism
Art I
Spring 2015

3. A Quick Review… Color Split-Complementary Colors Color Triads
Base color + two colors adjacent to its complement
Color Triads
Colors evenly spaced around the color wheel
One color to dominate and the other two to accent
Analogous
Colors next to each other on the color wheel
One color to dominate, second color to support, and the third to accent

4. Abstract Expressionism…What is it?
Art movement in the early 1940s (NYC)
Artworks were of monumental scale and reflected inner psyche
Valued spontaneity and improvisation
Emphasis on dynamic, energetic gesture
Evolution of movement a reaction to WWII
Abstract Expressionist work brought the art world’s attention to the United States. Much of these works were sent on traveling exhibitions
Expressionism was the European predecessor to Abstract Expressionism in the early 1900s
Similar in emotional content and importance of color

5. Wassily Kandinsky: Expressionist – Russia
First non-objective painter: work did not reflect anything in the natural world
Conveys feelings with color, line, and space
Reacted to music and emotions
Mark Rothko: Abstract Expressionist – USA
Known for his color field paintings
Believed color could express basic human emotions
Color became the primary conveyor of meaning in his works which focus on fundamental elements

6. “Yellow-Red-Blue”
Wassily Kandinsky
1925

7. “Improvisation 10”
Wassily Kandinsky
1910

8. “Painting with Green Center”
Wassily Kandinsky
1913

9. “Dark Freshness”
Wassily Kandinsky
1927

10. “No. 10”
Mark Rothko
1950

11. “Barra Violeta”
Mark Rothko
1957

12. “No. 14”
Mark Rothko
1960

22. Requirements
Painta dynamic abstract painting through color and shape. Work to create unity in your painting.
Pay attention to…
Shapes, colors, patterns, textures, symmetry, and movement
Use graded washes and glazing techniques

23. Rubric O – Objectives (50 pts) N – Neatness/Creativity (25 pts)
Student will successfully create a watercolor painting using glazing and graded wash watercolor techniques
Student will understand the importance of art historical movements such as Abstract Expressionism and employ this knowledge in their own artwork
Student will employ the use of the elements and principals of art to create a watercolor painting
N – Neatness/Creativity (25 pts)
Work is carefully constructed
Student pays attention to detail
Student shows mastery of technical skills
E – Effort/Growth (25 pts)
Student brings a positive attitude and willingness to work to the classroom
Student has excellent focus and takes responsibility for own learning
Student used class time wisely
Student shows individual improvement in quality of artwork

24. Sources
theory/color-harmonies.htm
d_abex.htm
expressionism.htm